Ensuring patching and updates are regularly applied is critical for maintaining the security of a system, as it closes vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Keeping software up to date includes installing security patches that software developers release to fix security holes in their programs. Anti-malware software protects against malicious software but relies on up-to-date virus definitions, which come from updates. Changing device names, while a part of disguising system information from potential attackers, offers less impact on security than patching does. Factory resetting devices frequently is impractical and disruptive to productivity, and while it would remove any compromised systems, it would not prevent new exploits.